Exposed zips have been around for a while, slinking seductively down the back of many a dress, from Lanvin’s creations on the catwalks to Posh’s frocks on the lovely Elle Macpherson! The full length zip down the back is looking a bit ‘over-done’ in these latter days of the trend BUT we are still loving the look in the way it has evolved, with zips playfully placed on garments solely for fun rather than function. A feature zip gives any item a punky edge, which is why we think it looks great as a quirky twist on this sporty grey Mags & Pye dress (below)

Speaking of that ‘punky edge’, an exposed zip can really freshen up an give a youthful feel to classic black evening wear. Gwen and Cheryl know this, and you can take a tip from their stylists by picking up a Va Vizuri ‘Leila’ vest (below) from the Laden Showroom. With its mixture of black mesh, satin and silver zips, Leila is both classy and sassy.

Also newly available at the Laden Showroom is Va Vizuri’s ‘Maya’ shirt. It’s button through, with metal chunky square buttons, so the zips here are totally decorative… there’s no need for them, but don’t they look great?! This shirt has so many teeth, it’s got real bite!